5 CFC Academy players take part in Open Tryouts for CFC Men's Team

Five current and former players from CFC Academy were among those at CFC’s Open Tryouts event this weekend. One player was invited to try out after being identified at the recent CFCA College ID Camp.

"We have had players of high quality in CFC Academy for several years," said 00/01 Premier Boys Coach Danny McBride.

"This year's oldest boys group is a biproduct of the work that has been done and the foundation that has been laid by the CFC Academy leadership. It is not surprising our players are now being given the opportunity to play not only at the college level, but at the NPSL level too.”

Taking the skills developed in part through CFCA, these local soccer players had their chance to shine in front of the club’s coaching staff.

“In years past, we’ve identified some incredible impact players through these tryouts,” said head coach and GM, Bill Elliott.

“We are eager to see who see comes out for the chance to be signed as a professional player.”

Some of the club’s most popular players were discovered through previous open tryouts or local scouting. One such player with local connections is David Perez, who also helped coach in CFC Academy.

“Open tryouts are an important part of our culture at Chattanooga FC as the community’s local club,” said Sheldon Grizzle, CFC Academy board member and president of CFC.

“There is tremendous talent being developed in CFC Academy and we were glad to see these five young men have an opportunity to put their abilities on display for our staff."

“As we transition to professional contracts for our players in 2019, this is a great opportunity to help make local players’ dreams come true”.